FDNY Highlights Hydrant Thawing Efforts as Deep Freeze Grips NYC

NEW YORK (VINnews) — As a deep freeze grips New York City and is forecast to intensify over the next several days, the Fire Department of the City of New York posted a video Wednesday highlighting the specialized equipment it uses to keep fire hydrants from freezing during prolonged cold spells.

The department showed how its thawing apparatus — a dedicated FDNY truck — heats water to melt ice inside hydrants, ensuring water remains available during emergencies. Officials said frozen hydrants can significantly slow firefighting operations if not addressed quickly.

It is cold out there ❄️🥶

Freezing temperatures can create challenges for FDNY operations. Frozen hydrants are a huge concern.
When we’ve got consecutive days of severe cold, the FDNY thawing apparatus is deployed to help keep water flowing.

Let’s get to work! pic.twitter.com/BzSJLqkM1u

— FDNY (@FDNY) January 21, 2026

FDNY said each of the city’s five boroughs has its own thawing truck, allowing crews to respond rapidly when hydrants freeze. The units are typically deployed after several consecutive days of below-freezing temperatures and are also sent to major fires where frozen hydrants could delay access to water.

Forecasters warned that continued freezing conditions could worsen infrastructure problems across the city in the days ahead. FDNY officials urged residents to keep hydrants clear of snow and ice so firefighters can access them without delay during emergencies.